Beterbiev (17-0, 17 K.-O.) holding the IBF and WBC belts, oscillated the scales to the 175 lbs limit, against 174.6 for Smith (28-3, 22 K.- O..), WBO champion.

Although the IBF title is part of the rewards at stake, it is precisely because it is an isolation fight that boxers no longer have to pass on the weighing that is usually imposed by this organization.on the morning of the fight.

Amateurs who gather on the hemicycle facing the Hulu Theater stage in Madison Square Garden have no right to the scandals or sparring that are so often punctuated in the final face -to -face meetings before a fight is held.

No, none of that. This time, the two roosters did not flutter their feathers or use their dewclaws, instead showing respect for the opponent’s clash.

All for everyone

A man with few words, especially because of his limitations in the languages ​​of Molière and Shakespeare, Beterbiev was pleased to say at a press conference on Thursday that he expected a very good fight.

A local favorite and resident of Long Island, Smith agreed by avoiding challenging his rival with one stare, proof that the two men knew the power of the other.

Beterbiev has a 100% kill ratio before the limit. At 22 out of 28, Smith sits at 78.5%. Admit that we will walk on the shells less than that …

Like Beterbiev, Smith never backed down from a challenge. He faced the best and imposed his law on them. In December 2016, he was notably the first to dismiss the venerable Bernard Hopkins (55-8-2, 32 KOs), pushing the latter into retirement.

Smith also has wins over Andrzej Fonfara (30-5, 18 KOs), Jesse Hart (28-3, 22 KOs), Eleider Alvarez (25-2, 13 KOs). ) and Maxim Vlasov (46-5, 26 KOs).

The possibility of adding Beterbiev to his stocked roster will also offer Smith the opportunity to consolidate all the belts in the category by challenging Russian Dmitrii Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs), getting a WBA title.

This prospect has been all the more attractive for Smith since Bivol imposed on him, by unanimous decision, in March 2019, one of his three defeats in the professional ranks.

But Smith knew he couldn’t afford to sell bear skin quickly. He has worked hard to make a name for himself. After all, at least 722 boxers named Joe Smith are listed on Boxrec.com!

Beterbiev could say that Saturday’s duel was just one fight for him or Madison Square Garden was just one arena, Saturday’s duel was one of the most anticipated in recent years.

Promoters have the ability to find words to sell tickets and spit on fans. But when the venerable Bob Arum (Top Rank) talks about one of the greatest duels he’ll ever have the chance to witness, we’re likely to believe him.

The reward is immense in the event of a victory. Losing can be as much as losing.

It should be noted that a boxer can never hold an IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO light heavyweight belt at the same time.

The last unified champion of this category [de l’ère pré-WBO, soit avant 2008, NDLR] was American Michael Spinks, Olympic champion in Montreal in 1976 and IBF, WBA and WBC champion (from February 1984 to October 1985), and his compatriot Roy Jones son (from June 1999 to February 2003).